Nitro dispensing device

ABSTRACT

Examples disclosed herein relate to a dispensing device including a product unit with a pressure which transmits one or more products to an infuser, a water source with one or more CFValves that transmits water to the infuser, a gas source which transmits one or more gases to the infuser, and a dispensing area which dispenses a mixture generated via the infuser from a product unit input, a water source input, and a gas source input.

REFERENCE

The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 62/783,559, entitled “Nitro Device”, filed on Dec.21, 2018 and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/882,717,entitled “Nitro Device”, filed on Aug. 5, 2019, which are incorporatedin their entirety herein by reference.

FIELD

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a dispensing unit. Morespecifically, to a cf valve functionality that allows for enhanced fluidcontrol.

INFORMATION

The dispensing industry has numerous ways to dispense one or more fluidsand/or gases. This disclosure highlights enhanced devices, methods, andsystems for dispensing these one or more fluids and/or gases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples will be described withreference to the following figures, wherein like reference numeralsrefer to like parts throughout the various figures.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a dispensing system, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 2A is an illustration of a pressure device.

FIG. 2B is another illustration of a pressure device, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a membrane device, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a CO2 generating device, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 5A is another illustration of a dispensing system, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 5B is another illustration of a dispensing system, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 5C is another illustration of a dispensing system, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 5D is another illustration of a dispensing system, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 5E is another illustration of a dispensing system, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 5F is another illustration of a dispensing system, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 5G is an illustration of a cf valve, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5H is another illustration of a cf valve, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 5I is an illustration of a cf valve, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5J is an illustration of a cf valve, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5K is an illustration of a dispensing system, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 5L is another illustration of a dispensing system, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 5M is another illustration of a dispensing system, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a dispensing system, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a dispensing system, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a dispensing system, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a dispensing system, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a dispensing system, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of a dispensing system, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a dispensing system, according to oneembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In FIG. 1, a first dispensing system 100 is shown. The first dispensingsystem 100 includes a syrup source 102, a syrup input line 104, a syrupinput area 108, a first CO2 input area 106, a second CO2 input area 122,a syrup out line 110, a CF Valve 112, a solenoid valve 114, a tubeorifice 116, a check valve/adaptor 118, and a dispensing unit 120.Further, the first dispensing system 100 includes the second CO2 inputarea 122, a purge valve 124, a pressurized vessel 126 with a concentratebag 128, another tube orifice 116, and a second solenoid value 129(which feeds into the dispensing unit 120). In this example, solenoidvalve 114 may be reduced in size and cost because the CF Valve 112maintains a relatively constant pressure and/or flow rate. This is amajor advancement as compared to existing systems (see FIG. 2A). Asolenoid valve cost is related to the flow rate and/or pressure criteriathe solenoid is designed to have as an input. In other words, a solenoidthat has to be able to handle varying pressures from a first pressure(e.g., 20 PSI) to a second pressure (e.g., 60 PSI) has a first cost.Whereas, a second solenoid that has to be able to handle varyingpressures from a third pressure (e.g., 13.8 PSI) to a fourth pressure(e.g., 14.2 PSI) has a second cost (see FIGS. 2A and 2B). In thisexample, the first cost is higher than the second cost because thepressure range is larger for the first solenoid versus the secondsolenoid. The syrup dispensing unit 107 (top left side of FIG. 1) whichhas the syrup input area 108, the first CO2 input area 106, and thesyrup out line 110 coupled to the dispensing unit. The dispensing unit107 may be electrical, mechanical, pneumatic operated and/or anycombination thereof.

In the first example shown in FIG. 2A, a conventional system 200 isshown. A first solenoid valve 202 has an input source with varyingpressures (e.g., PSI varies from 40 to 60 PSI) and the first solenoidhas a first size and a first cost. The output from the first solenoid202 goes through a tube orifice to a check valve 204 and then to adispensing system 206. In the second example shown in FIG. 2B, a CFValve system 220 includes a CF Valve 224 which has an input source withvarying pressures and an output area with has a constant pressure andflow rate (e.g., 14 PSI) which enters a second solenoid valve 222 wherethe second solenoid valve 222 has a second size and a second cost. Theoutput from the second solenoid 222 goes through a tube orifice to acheck valve 204 and then to a dispensing system 206. In these examples,the second size and the second cost of the second solenoid valve 222 arefar less than the first size and first cost of the first solenoid valve202.

In FIG. 3, a membrane system 300 is shown. In one example, an input froma pump enters a CF Valve 302 which then exits the CF Valve 302 at aconstant pressure and/or flow rate while entering a tube 304. The tubeorifice 304 is surrounded by a membrane 306 which has one or moreelements 308 (which in this example is N2). In this example, the N2enters the fluid passing by the membrane 306 and exits the tube 304 atthe exit area 310 towards the faucet.

In FIG. 4, a CO2 generator 400 is shown. In this example, a gas 402 isdelivered via a tube 412 towards a generator 406. When the gas 402 goesfrom point one 404 and hits the generator 406 and moves to point two 408a mixture 410 is created.

In FIG. 5A, a second dispensing system 500 is shown. The seconddispensing system 500 includes the syrup source 102, the syrup inputline 104, the syrup input area 108, the first CO2 input area 106, thesecond CO2 input area 122, the syrup out line 110, the CF Valve 112, thesolenoid valve 114, a needle valve 502, the tube orifice 116, the checkvalve/adaptor 118, and the dispensing unit 120. Further, the seconddispensing system 500 includes the second CO2 input area 122, the purgevalve 124, the pressurized vessel 126 with the concentrate bag 128,another tube orifice 116, and the second solenoid value 129 (which feedsinto the dispensing unit 120). In this example, the solenoid valve 114may be reduced in size and cost because the CF Valve 112 maintains arelatively constant pressure and flow rate. This is a major advancementas compared to existing systems (see FIG. 2A). A solenoid valve cost isrelated to the flow rate and/or pressure criteria the solenoid isdesigned to have as an input. In other words, a solenoid that has to beable to handle varying pressures from a first pressure (e.g., 10 PSI) toa second pressure (e.g., 70 PSI) has a first cost. Whereas, a secondsolenoid that has to be able to handle varying pressures from a thirdpressure (e.g., 13.9 PSI) to a fourth pressure (e.g., 14.1 PSI) has asecond cost (see FIGS. 2A and 2B). In this example, the first cost ishigher than the second cost because the pressure range is larger for thefirst solenoid versus the second solenoid.

In FIG. 5B, a third dispensing system 510 is shown. The third dispensingsystem 510 includes the syrup source 102, the syrup input line 104, thesyrup input area 108, the first CO2 input area 106, the second CO2 inputarea 122, the syrup out line 110, the CF Valve 112, the solenoid valve114, the needle valve 502, the tube orifice 116, the check valve/adaptor118, and the dispensing unit 120. Further, the third dispensing system510 includes the second CO2 input area 122, the pressurized vessel 126with the concentrate bag 128, a second CF Valve 514, a second solenoidvalve 512, another tube orifice 116 which feeds into the dispensing unit120). In this example, solenoid valve 114 and/or second solenoid valve512 may be reduced in size and cost because the CF Valve 112 and/or thesecond CF Valve maintain a relatively constant pressure and flow rate.This is a major advancement as compared to existing systems (see FIG.2A). A solenoid valve cost is related to the flow rate and/or pressurecriteria the solenoid is designed to have as an input. In other words, asolenoid that has to be able to handle varying pressures from a firstpressure (e.g., 25 PSI) to a second pressure (e.g., 50 PSI) has a firstcost. Whereas, a second solenoid that has to be able to handle varyingpressures from a third pressure (e.g., 13.7 PSI) to a fourth pressure(e.g., 14.3 PSI) has a second cost (see FIGS. 2A and 2B). In thisexample, the first cost is higher than the second cost because thepressure range is larger for the first solenoid versus the secondsolenoid.

In FIG. 5C, a fourth dispensing system 530 is shown. The fourthdispensing system 530 includes the syrup source 102, the syrup inputline 104, the syrup input area 108, the first CO2 input area 106, thesecond CO2 input area 122, the syrup out line 110, the CF Valve 112, thesolenoid valve 114, the needle valve 502, the tube orifice 116, thecheck valve/adaptor 118, and the dispensing unit 120. Further, thefourth dispensing system 530 includes the second CO2 input area 122, athird CF Valve 532, the pressurized vessel 126 with the concentrate bag128, the second CF Valve 514, the second solenoid valve 512, anothertube orifice 116 which feeds into the dispensing unit 120). In thisexample, solenoid valve 114 and/or the second solenoid valve 512 may bereduced in size and cost because the CF Valve 112, the second CF Valve514, and/or the third CF Valve 532 maintains a relatively constantpressure and flow rate. This is a major advancement as compared toexisting systems (see FIG. 2A). A solenoid valve cost is related to theflow rate and/or pressure criteria the solenoid is designed to have asan input. In other words, a solenoid that has to be able to handlevarying pressures from a first pressure (e.g., 30 PSI) to a secondpressure (e.g., 50 PSI) has a first cost. Whereas, a second solenoidthat has to be able to handle varying pressures from a third pressure(e.g., 13.6 PSI) to a fourth pressure (e.g., 14.4 PSI) has a second cost(see FIGS. 2A and 2B). In this example, the first cost is higher thanthe second cost because the pressure range is larger for the firstsolenoid versus the second solenoid.

In FIG. 5D, a fifth dispensing system 540 is shown. The fifth dispensingsystem 540 includes the syrup source 102, the syrup input line 104, thesyrup input area 108, the first CO2 input area 106, the second CO2 inputarea 122, the syrup out line 110, the CF Valve 112, the solenoid valve114, the needle valve 502, the tube orifice 116, the check valve/adaptor118, and the dispensing unit 120. Further, the fifth dispensing system540 includes the second CO2 input area 122, the purge valve 124, thesecond CF Valve 514, the second solenoid 512, the pressurized vessel 126with the concentrate bag 128, another tube orifice 116, and a secondcheck valve/adaptor 542 (which feeds into the dispensing unit 120). Inthis example, solenoid valve 114 and/or second solenoid valve 512 may bereduced in size and cost because the CF Valve 112 and/or the second CFValve maintain a relatively constant pressure and flow rate. This is amajor advancement as compared to existing systems (see FIG. 2A). Asolenoid valve cost is related to the flow rate and/or pressure criteriathe solenoid is designed to have as an input. In other words, a solenoidthat has to be able to handle varying pressures from a first pressure(e.g., 10 PSI) to a second pressure (e.g., 70 PSI) has a first cost.Whereas, a second solenoid that has to be able to handle varyingpressures from a third pressure (e.g., 13.9 PSI) to a fourth pressure(e.g., 14.1 PSI) has a second cost (see FIGS. 2A and 2B). In thisexample, the first cost is higher than the second cost because thepressure range is larger for the first solenoid versus the secondsolenoid.

In FIGS. 5E-5J, the cf valves are shown. A fluid mixing and deliverysystem comprises a mixing chamber; a first supply line for supplying afirst fluid component to the mixing chamber via a first CF Valve and adownstream first metering orifice; a second supply line for supplying asecond fluid component to the mixing chamber via a second CF Valve and adownstream second metering orifice, with the first and second fluidcomponents being combined in the mixing chamber to produce a fluidmixture; and a discharge line leading from the mixing chamber andthrough which the fluid mixture is delivered to a dispensing valve. Thisdisclosure relates to a system for precisely metering and mixing fluidsat variable mix ratios, and for delivering the resulting fluid mixturesat the same substantially constant flow rate for all selected mixratios. The system is particularly useful for, although not limited inuse to, the mixture of liquid beverage concentrates with a liquiddiluent, and one specific example being the mixture of different teaconcentrates with water.

With reference initially to FIG. 5E, one embodiment of a system inaccordance with the present disclosure includes a mixing chamber 10A. Afirst fluid component, e.g., a water diluent is received via conduit 12Afrom a municipal water source and is supplied to the mixing chamber viaa first supply line 14A. The first supply line includes a first constantflow valve 16A, a downstream needle valve providing a first meteringorifice 18A, the size of which may be selectively varied, and anoptional check valve 20A to prevent reverse fluid flow from the mixingchamber.

The constant flow valve (e.g., CF Valve) includes a housing made up ofassembled exterior components 22A, 24A. The housing is internallysubdivided by a barrier wall 26A into a head section 28A with an inlet30A and base section subdivided by a modulating assembly 34A into afluid chamber 36A segregated from a spring chamber 38A.

The modulating assembly 34A includes and is supported by a flexiblediaphragm 40A, with a stem 42A that projects through a port 44A in thebarrier wall 26A. Stem 42A terminates in enlarged head 46A with atapered underside 48A surrounded by a tapered surface 50A of the barrierwall. A spring 52A urges the modulating assembly 34A towards the barrierwall 26A.

The valve inlet 30A is adapted to be connected to conduit 12A, and avalve outlet 54A communicates with the fluid chamber 36A and is adaptedto be connected to a remote system component, which in the system underconsideration, is the mixing chamber 10A. The valve inlet 30A and outlet54A respectively lie on axes A1, A2 that are arranged at 90° withrespect to each other. Port 44A connects the valve head section 28A tothe fluid chamber 36A. Inlet fluid pressures below a threshold level inthe head section and fluid chamber are insufficient to overcome theclosure force of spring 52A, resulting as depicted in FIG. 5H in thediaphragm being held in a closed position against a sealing ring on thebarrier wall, thus preventing fluid flow through the fluid chamber 36Aand out through the valve outlet 54A.

As shown in FIGS. 5G and 5I, at inlet pressures above the thresholdlevel, the closure force of spring 52A is overcome, allowing themodulating assembly 34A and its diaphragm 40A to move away from thebarrier wall 26A as operating pressure in the fluid chamber 36Aincreases. As fluid exits the fluid chamber, the downstream meteringorifice 18A provides a flow restriction that creates a back pressurewhich adds to the inlet pressure to create a total operating pressure inthe fluid chamber 36A.

If the inlet pressure decreases, the force of spring 52A will urge themodulating assembly 34A towards the barrier wall 26A, thus increasingthe gap between the tapered surfaces 48A, 50A and increasing the flow offluid into the fluid chamber 36A in order to maintain the operatingpressure substantially constant.

A decrease in back pressure will have the same effect, causing themodulating assembly to move towards the barrier wall until flow throughthe port 44A is increases sufficiently to restore the operating pressureto its previous level.

Conversely, an increase in back pressure will increase the operatingpressure in fluid chamber 36A, causing the modulating assembly to moveaway from the barrier wall, and reducing the gap between taperedsurfaces 48A, 50A to lessen the flow of fluid into and through the fluidchamber 36A.

As shown in FIG. 5J, if the back pressure increases the operatingpressure in fluid chamber 36 to a sufficiently high level, themodulating assembly will be moved away from the barrier wall to anextent sufficient to close the gap between tapered surfaces 48A, 50A,thus preventing any further flow through the valve.

Again with reference to FIG. 5E, a second fluid component, e.g., aliquid tea concentrate, is received via conduit 56A and is supplied tothe mixing chamber 10A via a second supply line 60A. Conduit 56A isconnected to a pressurized source of the second fluid component, one nonlimiting example being a pump 58A. The second supply line includes asecond constant flow valve 62A, a downstream second metering orifice 64Ahaving a fixed size, and another optional check valve 66A. The secondconstant flow valve may be of a “straight through” type where the valveinlets and outlets lie on the same axis. The first and second constantflow valves 16A, 22A serve to deliver the first and second fluidcomponents to the mixing chamber 10A at substantially constant flowrates and pressures, irrespective of variations in the input pressuresin the conduits 12A, 56A above the threshold levels of the valves.

The first and second fluid components are combined in the mixing chamberto produce a fluid mixture having a mix ratio governed by the selectedvariable size of the first metering orifice 18A and the fixed size ofthe second metering orifice 64A.

Although not shown, it will be understood that the locations of thefirst and second metering orifices 18A, 64A may be reversed, with theadjustable metering orifice 18A being located in the second supply line60A and the fixed metering orifice being located in the first supplyline 14A. Alternatively, both the first and second supply lines 14A, 60Amay be equipped with adjustable orifices.

A discharge line 68A leads from the mixing chamber 10A and through whichthe fluid mixture is delivered to a dispensing valve 70A. A thirdmetering orifice 72A is provided in the discharge line. As shown, thethird metering orifice is upstream and separate from the dispensingvalve. Alternatively, the third metering orifice may be included as anintegral component of the dispensing valve.

When the dispensing valve is open, the discharge line 68A has a maximumflow rate that is lower than the combined minimum flow rates of thefirst and second constant flow valves 16A, 62A, thus creating abackpressure in the first and second supply lines 14A, 60A downstream oftheir respective constant flow valves. This back pressure adds to theinlet pressures applied to the constant flow valves to maintain thevalves in the operating conditions shown in FIGS. 5G and 5I to therebymaintain a substantially constant pressure and flow rate of the firstand second fluid components being delivered to the mixing chamber.

Any adjustment to the size of the first metering orifice 18A will resultin a change in the flow rate of the first fluid component to the mixingchamber 10A. This in turn will change the backpressure in the mixingchamber and in the second supply line 60A downstream of the secondconstant flow valve 62A, causing an accompanying inverse change to theflow rate of the second fluid component being delivered through thesecond constant flow valve to the mixing chamber, and in turn causing achange in the mix ratio of the mixture exiting from the mixing chamberto the dispensing valve 70A. Although the mix ration is changed, theflow rate of the dispensed fluid mixture will remain substantially thesame and substantially constant.

Closure of the dispensing valve 70A will produce elevated back pressuresin the first and second supply lines 14A, 60A downstream of theirrespective constant flow valves 16A, 62A, causing the valves to assumethe closed settings as shown in FIG. 5J.

In the system embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5F, a third supply line 74Aleads from the first supply line 14A to a second mixing chamber 76A. Thethird supply line 74A includes another adjustable metering orifice 78A.The second mixing chamber 76A is supplied with another fluid component,e.g., a different tea concentrate, via a fourth supply line 80A havingthe same components as the second supply line 60A. The fluid mixtureexits from mixing chamber 76A to another dispensing valve 82A via adischarge line 84A having a metering orifice 86A.

The dispensing valves 70A, 82A may be selectively opened and closed,with constant flow valve 16A acting in concert with the constant flowvalves 62A of either or both supply lines 60A, 74A to maintain theselected mix ratios exiting from one or both mixing chambers 10A, 76A atthe same substantially constant volumes.

In one embodiment, a dispensing device includes a syrup unit configuredto transmit via one or more orifices one or more syrups and water to adispensing block, a syrup source coupled to the syrup unit configured toprovide the one or more syrups to the syrup unit, a water sourceconfigured to provide the water to the syrup unit, and a cf valvecoupled to a first orifice upstream of a solenoid valve where the cfvalve is configured to provide a first range of pressures to thesolenoid valve and where the first orifice is coupled to the dispensingblock.

In another example, the dispensing device may further include a checkvalve adaptor coupled to the first orifice downstream of the solenoidvalve. Further, the water may be any fluid including carbonated water.In addition, the dispensing device may include a needle valve coupled tothe first orifice downstream of the solenoid valve. In another example,the configuration of the solenoid valve may change based on the cf valveproviding the first range of pressures to the solenoid valve. The changein configuration of the solenoid valve may reduce a size and/or cost ofthe solenoid valve. In another example, the first orifice may be eitherfixed or adjustable and/or a combination of both when there are morethan one orifice.

In another example, the cf valve is a regulating valve for maintaining asubstantially constant flow of fluid from a variable pressure fluidsupply to a fluid outlet, the cf valve may include: a) a housing havingaxially aligned inlet and outlet ports adapted to be connectedrespectively to the variable fluid supply and the fluid outlet; b) adiaphragm chamber interposed between the inlet and the outlet ports, theinlet port being separated from the diaphragm chamber by a barrier wall,the barrier wall having a first passageway extending therethrough froman inner side facing the diaphragm chamber to an outer side facing theinlet port; c) a cup contained within the diaphragm chamber, the cuphaving a cylindrical side wall extending from a bottom wall facing theoutlet port to a circular rim surrounding an open mouth facing the innerside of the barrier wall, the cylindrical side and bottom walls of thecup being spaced inwardly from adjacent interior surfaces of the housingto define a second passageway connecting the diaphragm chamber to theoutlet port; d) a resilient disc-shaped diaphragm closing the open mouthof the cup, the diaphragm being axially supported by the circular rimand having a peripheral flange overlapping the cylindrical side wall; e)a piston assembly secured to the center of the diaphragm, the pistonassembly having a cap on one side of the diaphragm facing the inner sideof the barrier wall, and a base suspended from the opposite side of thediaphragm and projecting into the interior of the cup; f) a stemprojecting from the cap through the first passageway in the barrier wallto terminate in a valve head, the valve head and the outer side of thebarrier wall being configured to define a control orifice connecting theinlet port to the diaphragm chamber via the first passageway; and g) aspring device in the cup coacting with the base of the piston assemblyfor resiliently urging the diaphragm into a closed position against theinner side of the barrier wall to thereby prevent fluid flow from theinlet port via the first passageway into the diaphragm chamber, thespring device being responsive to fluid pressure above a predeterminedlevel applied to the diaphragm via the inlet port and the firstpassageway by accommodating movement of the diaphragm away from theinner side of the barrier wall, with the valve head on the stem beingmoved to adjust the size of the control orifice, thereby maintaining aconstant flow of fluid from the inlet port through the first and secondpassageways to the outlet port for delivery to the fluid outlet.

In another example, at least one of the one or more syrups is configuredto be selectable. In another embodiment, a dispensing device mayinclude: a syrup unit configured to transmit via one or more orifices atleast one or more syrups, one or more gases, and water to a dispensingblock; a syrup source coupled to the syrup unit configured to providethe one or more syrups to the syrup unit; a water source configured toprovide the water to at least one of the syrup unit and the dispensingblock; and a cf valve coupled to a first orifice upstream of a solenoidvalve, wherein the cf valve is configured to provide a first range ofpressures to the solenoid valve where the first orifice is coupled tothe dispensing block.

In another embodiment, a dispensing system may include: a firstdispensing unit which includes: a first syrup unit which transmits via afirst group of orifices a first group of syrups and water to adispensing block; a first syrup source coupled to the syrup unit whichprovides the first group of syrups to the first syrup unit; a firstwater source which provides the water to the first syrup unit; and afirst cf valve coupled to a first orifice upstream of a first solenoidvalve, where the first cf valve is provides a first range of pressuresto the first solenoid valve; and a second dispensing unit whichincludes: a second syrup unit which transmits via a second group oforifices a second group of syrups and water to the dispensing block; asecond syrup source coupled to the second syrup unit via a concentratebag which provides the second group of syrups to the second syrup unit;and a second solenoid valve coupled to a second orifice where the secondorifice is coupled to the dispensing block.

The dispensing system may further include a check valve adaptor coupledto the first orifice downstream of the first solenoid valve. Inaddition, at least one of the water sources may be carbonated water.Further, the dispensing system may include a needle valve coupled to thefirst orifice downstream of the first solenoid valve. In anotherexample, the dispensing system may include a second cf valve coupled tothe second orifice upstream of the second solenoid valve. In anotherexample, the dispensing system may include a third cf valve coupled athird orifice upstream of the second syrup unit. In addition, thedispensing system may include a second cf valve coupled to a thirdorifice upstream of the second syrup unit. In another example, thedispensing system may include a check valve coupled to the secondorifice downstream of the second solenoid valve.

Further, the first cf valve is a regulating valve for maintaining asubstantially constant flow of fluid from a variable pressure fluidsupply to a fluid outlet, the first cf valve may include: a) a housinghaving axially aligned inlet and outlet ports adapted to be connectedrespectively to the variable fluid supply and the fluid outlet; b) adiaphragm chamber interposed between the inlet and the outlet ports, theinlet port being separated from the diaphragm chamber by a barrier wall,the barrier wall having a first passageway extending therethrough froman inner side facing the diaphragm chamber to an outer side facing theinlet port; c) a cup contained within the diaphragm chamber, the cuphaving a cylindrical side wall extending from a bottom wall facing theoutlet port to a circular rim surrounding an open mouth facing the innerside of the barrier wall, the cylindrical side and bottom walls of thecup being spaced inwardly from adjacent interior surfaces of the housingto define a second passageway connecting the diaphragm chamber to theoutlet port; d) a resilient disc-shaped diaphragm closing the open mouthof the cup, the diaphragm being axially supported by the circular rimand having a peripheral flange overlapping the cylindrical side wall; e)a piston assembly secured to the center of the diaphragm, the pistonassembly having a cap on one side of the diaphragm facing the inner sideof the barrier wall, and a base suspended from the opposite side of thediaphragm and projecting into the interior of the cup; f) a stemprojecting from the cap through the first passageway in the barrier wallto terminate in a valve head, the valve head and the outer side of thebarrier wall being configured to define a control orifice connecting theinlet port to the diaphragm chamber via the first passageway; and g) aspring device in the cup coacting with the base of the piston assemblyfor resiliently urging the diaphragm into a closed position against theinner side of the barrier wall to thereby prevent fluid flow from theinlet port via the first passageway into the diaphragm chamber, thespring device being responsive to fluid pressure above a predeterminedlevel applied to the diaphragm via the inlet port and the firstpassageway by accommodating movement of the diaphragm away from theinner side of the barrier wall, with the valve head on the stem beingmoved to adjust the size of the control orifice, thereby maintaining aconstant flow of fluid from the inlet port through the first and secondpassageways to the outlet port for delivery to the fluid outlet.

In another embodiment, a dispensing system may include: a firstdispensing unit including: a first syrup unit which transmits via afirst group of orifices at least one of a first group of syrups, a firstgroup of gases, and water to a dispensing block; a first syrup sourcecoupled to the syrup unit which provides the first group of syrups tothe first syrup unit; a first water source which provides the water toat least one of the first syrup unit and the dispensing block; and/or afirst cf valve coupled to a first orifice upstream of a first solenoidvalve where the first cf valve is provides a first range of pressures tothe first solenoid valve. The dispensing system may further include: asecond dispensing unit including: a second syrup unit which transmitsvia a second group of orifices at least one of a second group of syrups,a second group of gases, and water to the dispensing block; a secondsyrup source coupled to the second syrup unit via a concentrate bagwhich provides the second group of syrups to the second syrup unit; asecond water source which provides the water to at least one of thesecond syrup unit and the dispensing block; and a second solenoid valvecoupled to a second orifice where the second orifice is coupled to thedispensing block.

In another embodiment, a pressure device includes: a cf valve coupledupstream to a solenoid valve; and a check valve coupled downstream ofthe solenoid valve where the cf valve provides a range of pressures tothe solenoid valve.

In another example, the range of pressures is smaller than a secondrange of pressures the solenoid valve would encounter in the absences ofthe cf valve.

In FIG. 5K, an illustration of a dispensing system is shown, accordingto one embodiment. A first dispensing system 550 may include a watersource 551 (and/or any other liquid source—carbonated water, mixedliquids, etc.), a first pump 553, a first CFValve 555, a mixing chamber558, an infuser 560, a first gas source 559, a transducer 561, and/or adispensing valve 562 (e.g., a nitro dispensing valve). In addition, thefirst dispensing system 550 may include a container of concentrate 552(e.g., a bag-in-box device, a KEG, etc.), a second pump 554 (e.g., avolumetric pump, brix pump, etc.), and a second CFValve 556. Inaddition, the mixing chamber 558, the infuser 560, and/or the first gassource 559 may be a single unit 557. In another example, either thefirst CFValve 555 or the second CFValve 556 may not be utilized. Forexample, if there is sufficient water pressure, the water pump(reference number 553) would not be needed. In addition, the bag-in-boxdevice 552 (or container of concentrate, or KEG, etc.) may be any syrupdispensing source, element, and/or device. In another example, water isintroduced at a constant volume via the booster pump and a constantpressure via the first CFValve 555. Further, the syrup is volumetricallyportioned at a constant ratio. In one example, the second pump 554 couldbe speed controlled to allow for calibration on a per unit basis. In oneexample, when a speed controlled volumetric pump is used there may notbe a need for a CFValve downstream on the syrup side. In one example,the mixing chamber 558 may be a John Guest Y fitting. In anotherexample, the infuser 560 may be a sparger. In another example, thepressure transducer 561 could control the activation of one or more ofthe pumps based on pressure drop (e.g., valve open=on, valveclosed=off). In another example, water is introduced at a constantpressure via the booster pump and/or the brixing pump handles allbeverage mixings. The CFValve (555 or 556) is then used to ensureconstant pressure to the infuser 560. The mixing chamber 558, theinfuser 560, and/or the pressure transducer 561 may function similarlyto previously disclosed options. In one example, when a traditionalbag-in-box pump is used a CFValve may be utilized to maintain portioncontrol because in-line orifice plates may result in pressure drops.There are many advantages of these embodiments and/or example. Forexample, the system creates a fixed pressure for the water and syrupmixture that then allows the correct amount of gas to be added forproper carbonation or nitrogenization, etc. In addition, when thevolumetric speed controlling pump is utilized, the ratio ofcoffee/concentrate/product to water can be adjusted without upsettingthe fixed pressure and/or the proper infusion of gas. For example, fixedpressure of nitrogen (e.g., gas) and volume of water and syrup bedetermined and utilized. In addition, the CFValve does not allow fullline pressure to bleed through to cause a casual pour which is known inthe art as a pour with two much or too little gas being in the firstdispensed product after the unit is idle. There is no over or underinfusing of gas because the CFValve does not allow pressure to gothrough to the other side where the product is located.

In FIG. 5L, another illustration of a dispensing system is shown,according to one embodiment. A second dispensing system 563 may includea first gas source 564A (e.g., Nitrogen, CO2, compressed air, mixed gas,etc.), a first syrup source 564B, and a first water source 564C. One ormore gases from the first gas source 564A may enter a first CFValve 565(which produces a first pressure—43 PSI) and travels through a firstorifice 566 to be part of a mix 572. In addition, one or more syrupsfrom the first syrup source 564B may enter a pneumatic and/or BIB pump567 and a second CFValve 568 (which produces a second pressure—43 PSI)and travels through a needle valve 569 to be part of the mix 572.Further, water from the first water source 564C may enter a thirdCFValve 570 (which produces an Nth pressure—29 PSI) and travels througha second orifice 571 to be part of the mix 572. In one embodiment, thesolenoids on the CFValves (reference numbers 565, 568, and/or 570) canbe combined with a fixed orifice and the solenoids can be controlled bya program to pulse or modify on-time for each type of drink to changethe ratio of the syrup, water, and/or gas to be mixed. For example, adispensing system could have Nth drinking options (e.g., Nitro orangejuice, Carbonated orange juice, a cola product, a diet cola product, acoffee product, a nitro coffee product, a water product, a juice productwith no gas in it, etc.). In one example, the water functions (e.g.,pressure, flow rate, etc.) are kept constant (e.g., predeterminedsettings) and the gas functions (e.g., pressure, flow rate, etc.) arekept constant (e.g. predetermined settings) while the syrup pressureand/or flow rate is varied to obtain the desired product. For example,the syrup may be allowed to flow for 1 minute, 2 minutes, etc. or thesyrup may be pulsed for a predetermined amount of pulses or time period.In another example, the water functions (e.g., pressure, flow rate,etc.) are kept constant (e.g., predetermined settings) and the syrupfunctions (e.g., pressure, flow rate, etc.) are kept constant (e.g.predetermined settings) while the gas pressure and/or flow rate isvaried to obtain the desired product. For example, the gas may beallowed to flow for 1 minute, 2 minutes, etc. or the gas may be pulsedfor a predetermined amount of pulses or time period. In another example,the syrup functions (e.g., pressure, flow rate, etc.) are kept constant(e.g., predetermined settings) and the gas functions (e.g., pressure,flow rate, etc.) are kept constant (e.g. predetermined settings) whilethe water pressure and/or flow rate is varied to obtain the desiredproduct. For example, the water may be allowed to flow for 1 minute, 2minutes, etc. or the water may be pulsed for a predetermined amount ofpulses or time period. In various examples, two of these functions(e.g., water, syrup, and/or gas) can be kept constant while the thirdfunction (e.g., water, syrup, or gas) varies. Alternatively, onefunction (e.g., water, syrup, or gas) can be kept constant while theother two functions (e.g., water, syrup, and/or gas) vary. In oneembodiment, the orifices (reference numbers 566, 569, and/or 571) may befixed or variable or a combination of fixed and variable orifices. Inanother example, the CFV 565 may not be utilized for controlling the gaspressure. Some of the advantages of this system are that there can be aperfect mix of gas, syrup, and/or water into a pressure canister or toatmosphere while providing for a fixed ratio or the ability to changeratio either manually through the needle valve or electrically via thepulsing/timing program of the solenoid on the CFValve. This systemdrastically reduces service time and/or required service of existingdrink equipment as ratios can be fixed and not require adjustments orprogrammed in to not require any modifications if syrup or gas mix ischanged. The system also provides the benefit of substantially reducingthe mechanical failure in the current ceramic based systems.

In FIG. 5M, another illustration of a dispensing system is shown,according to one embodiment. A third dispensing system 573 may include afirst gas source 574A and a second gas source 574B (and/or Nth gassource). In one example, the first gas source 574A may enter a firstCFValve 575 and exit the first CFValve 575 to enter a first ratioadjustment valve 576 to be received at a total flow adjustment valve 580to be part of a mix 581. In addition, the second gas source 574B (and/orNth gas source) may enter a second CFValve 578 and exit the secondCFValve 578 to enter a second ratio adjustment valve 579 to be receivedat the total flow adjustment valve 580 to be part of the mix 581. Inanother embodiment, the orifices (reference numbers 576 and/or 579) canbe fixed or only one can be variable to manage the mixture betweengases. In another example, the orifices (reference numbers 576 and/or579) can be fixed but the first CFValve 575 and/or the second CFValve578 can be pulsed or timed to create pre-programmed mixes of gases. Someof the advantages of this system are that it allows for accurate mixingof various gases into a beverage dispensing device to allow customdrinks to include one or more gases at various ratios. In addition, thesystem provides a cost effective and fixed method to mix gases eithermechanically with a fixed or adjustable orifice or electronically with aprogrammed pulse or timed control of one or more CFValves. In addition,the system can be utilized with multiple drink options and multiple gasoptions to have a single drink dispenser which is able to dispense alltypes of drink (e.g., a first gas drink (e.g., Nitrogen), a second gasdrink (e.g., Carbonated), an Nth gas drink, a first non-gas drink (e.g.,juice), etc.).

In FIG. 6, a flow chart is shown, according to one embodiment. A method600 may include a determining of whether to install a CFValve before thesolenoid valve (step 602). If a CFValve should be installed, then themethod 600 installs a second solenoid valve with a second size (step604). If a CFValve should not be installed, then the method 600 installsa first solenoid valve with a first size (step 602). In this example,the second size is smaller than the first size because the installationof a CFValve allows for the solenoid size to be reduced and/orminimized.

In FIG. 7, an illustration of a dispensing system is shown, according toone embodiment. A dispensing system 700 may include a product supplydevice 702 (e.g., Keg, bag-in-box, syrup line, etc.), a pump 704 (e.g.,pneumatic, electric, etc.), an accumulator 706, a regulator 708, aplugged CFValve with a first spring 712 (and/or a CFValve), a checkvalve 716, an infusing unit 718 (and/or infuser/sparger—Glad type,Sparger, Infuser, etc.), a plugged CFValve with a second spring 714, afirst outlet 720 (e.g., still out area), and/or a second outlet 722 (anitro out area). In this example, the product is coffee. However, theproduct could be beer, juice, water, soda, etc. Further, the product isat a pressure of less than 10 PSI. Therefore, any pressure from 0.01 PSIto approximately 10 PSI can be utilized. Therefore, all numbers in thisrange and disclosed in this document (and/or equivalents) are includedbut not listed for brevity. For example, 0.01 PSI, 0.02 PSI, . . . ,9.999999999999 PSI. Further, all ranges in this range are also disclosedin this document (and/or equivalents) are included but not listed forbrevity. For example, 9.1 PSI to 9.3 PSI, 5.01 PSI to 5.02 PSI, etc. Inone example, the coffee product travels via a clear beverage hose (e.g.,68″-⅜, and/or any other size) to the pump 704 and is mixed with N2. Thismixture travels via a ¼″ Braid (52″ length and/or any other length) tothe accumulator 706. This mixture in the accumulator 706 is regulatedvia the regulator 708 where the regulator 708 utilizes a N2 source 710(and/or compressed air, CO2, other gases, other mixed gases, etc.) toregulate the mixture. In this example, the regulator 708 is at apressure of 60 PSI. However, any pressure can be utilized from 0.1 PSIto 200 PSI (all other pressures disclosed in this document and/orpressure ranges and/or equivalents are included in this document but notwritten for brevity). The mixture leaves the accumulator 706 via a ¼″Braid (8″ length and/or any other length) and travels to the pluggedCFValve with a first spring 712. The mixture leaves the plugged CFValvewith a first spring 712 via a ¼″ Braid (1.5″ length and/or any otherlength) and travels either (713A or 713B) to the check valve 716 and/orthe first outlet area 720. The mixture travels to the first outlet area720 via a ¼ Braid (24″ length and/or any other length) and 9″ 5/16 ODhard tubing. The mixture travels from the check valve 716 to theinfusing unit 718 where the mixture is combined with N2 (and/or anyother gas) via plugged CFValve with a second spring 714. The mixturethen leaves the infusing unit 718 and travels to the second outlet area722 via a ¼ Braid (24″ length and/or any other length) and a 9″ 5/16 ODhard tubing. In one example, a first spring and a second spring may beat the same spring load tension (e.g., 43 PSI) and in another examplethe first spring and the second spring may be at two different springload tensions (e.g., 29 PSI and 43 PSI and/or any other pressuresdisclosed in this document). Some of the many advantages of this systemare that the same premixed product can be dispensed with and/or withoutgas from the same source (e.g., cold brew coffee and nitro coffee). Inaddition, this system uses no electricity because the same gas that isutilized for the infusing function (e.g., infusing gas into theeventually dispensed product) is used to power the pumping functionand/or the CFValves (reference numbers 712 and 714) do not need asolenoid. The CFValves do not require a solenoid because the pressure iscontrolled at the faucet and the faucet is the on/off function. Theadditional benefit of this system is that the CFValves control thepressure to allow for the perfect flow rate and the perfect infusion ofgas. The system may utilize fixed orifices to control flow rates and gassettings and required very little technical knowledge to utilize.Further, there is minimal cost to this system both to manufacture and tooperate. In addition, it can be portable as to it is not plumbed to awater source or connected to an electricity source.

In FIG. 8, an illustration of a dispensing system is shown, according toone embodiment. A dispensing system 800 may include a gas source 802, afirst CFValve 804, a storage device 806 (e.g., KEG—Mixed coffee coldbrew at 1.1 ratio and/or any other product (beer, soda, water, etc.) atany other ratio 1.1 to 1, 1.2 to 1, . . . , 5 to 1, . . . , 100 to 1,etc.), a filter 808, a first valve 820 (and/or a needle valve, a fixedorifice, a variable orifice, etc.), a first dispensing device 824, acheck valve 814, an infuser 818, a second valve 822 (and/or a needlevalve, a fixed orifice, a variable orifice, etc.), a second dispensingdevice 826, and/or a second CFValve 816. The gas source 802 in thisexample is N2 at 50 PSI. However, the gas source 802 may be any gas(e.g., compressed air, CO2, mixed gases, etc.) at any pressure 1 PSI to200 PSI (all other pressures disclosed in this document and/or pressureranges and/or equivalents are included in this document but not writtenfor brevity). All other pressures disclosed in this document and/orpressure ranges include at least 25 PSI, 26 PSI, 27 PSI, 28 PSI, 29 PSI,30 PSI, 31 PSI, 32 PSI, 33 PSI, 34 PSI, 35 PSI, 36 PSI, 37 PSI, 38 PSI,39 PSI, 40 PSI, 41 PSI, 42 PSI, 43 PSI, 44 PSI, 45 PSI, 46 PSI, 47 PSI,48 PSI, 49 PSI, 50 PSI, 51 PSI, 52 PSI, 53 PSI, 54 PSI, 55 PSI, 56 PSI,57 PSI, 58 PSI, 59 PSI, 60 PSI, 61 PSI, 62 PSI, 63 PSI, 64 PSI, 65 PSI,66 PSI, 67 PSI, 68 PSI, 69 PSI, 70 PSI, 71 PSI, 72 PSI, 73 PSI, 74 PSI,75 PSI, 76 PSI, 77 PSI, 78 PSI, 79 PSI, 80 PSI, 81 PSI, 82 PSI, 83 PSI,84 PSI, 85 PSI, 86 PSI, 87 PSI, 88 PSI, 89 PSI, 90 PSI, 91 PSI, 92 PSI,93 PSI, 94 PSI, 95 PSI, 96 PSI, 97 PSI, 98 PSI, 99 PSI, 100 PSI, 101PSI, 102 PSI, 103 PSI, and/or 104 PSI. In addition, the pressure rangesinclude at least 5-10 PSI, 10-18 PSI, 18-25 PSI, 25-35 PSI, 35-45 PSI,45-55 PSI, 55-65 PSI, 65-80 PSI, 80-90 PSI, 90-100 PSI, and/or 100-104PSI.

In this example, the gas source 802 is utilized as a pressure source(and/or pushing source and/or a gas source for the mixture itself seethe infuser 818) which travels through the first CFValve 804 (at 30 PSIand/or any other pressure from 1 PSI to 100 PSI) to the storage device806 to move the mixed coffee brew (e.g., product—could be cold) to thefilter 808. After the mixture is filtered by the filter 808, thefiltered product travels either (812A or 812B) to the first valve 820 orthe check valve 814. When the filtered mixture moves via a first path812A to the first valve 820, the filtered mixture is dispensed via thefirst dispensing device 824. This filtered mixture has no material gasin this fluid stream. This filtered mixture from the first dispensingdevice 824 may have a flow rate of approximately 1 ounce/second (or 1.5ounces per second, or 2 ounces per second, or 2.5 ounces per second, or3 ounces per second, and/or any other flow rate). Also, please note thatno orifice is present between the first CFValve 804 and the storagedevice 806. When the filtered mixture moves via a second path 812B tothe check valve 814, the filtered mixture goes through the infuser 818and gas from the gas source 802 and the second CFValve 816 (at 33 PSIand/or any other pressure from 1 PSI to 100 PSI) is infused into thefiltered mixture. In one example, an orifice and/or a needle valve isadded between the second CFValve 816 and the infuser 818. In thisexample, the gas source 802 was utilized for both pushing the liquidfunction and adding the gas to the mixture function. It should be notedthat the gas source could be utilized for only the pushing feature oronly the adding feature (e.g., infuser). Further, the filtered mixturewhich leaves the infuser 818 travels to the second valve 822 and isdispensed via the second dispensing device 826. This filtered mixturefrom the second dispensing device 826 may have a flow rate ofapproximately 1 ounce/second (or 1.5 ounces per second, or 2 ounces persecond, or 2.5 ounces per second, or 3 ounces per second, and/or anyother flow rate disclosed in this document (and/or equivalents)). Inaddition, this filtered mixture has material gas in this fluid stream.In one example, there is no filter 808 because the drink does notrequire a filtering function prior to the infuser 818. This system'sbenefits include no required electricity and/or pumps, the system candispense both non-gas and gas infused products from the same drinksource, the system is portable, the system is easy to operate, thesystem is easy to install, and/or any combination thereof.

In FIG. 9, an illustration of a dispensing system is shown, according toone embodiment. A dispensing system 900 may include a gas source 902, afirst regulator 904, a first check valve 906, a storage device 908, afilter 910, a second check valve 912, an infuser 914, a first valve 916,a first outlet area 918, a second valve 920, a second outlet area 922, asecond regulator 924, and/or a needle valve 926. Please note that one ormore valves may be replaced with CFValves. The gas source 902 in thisexample is N2 at 55 PSI. However, the gas source 902 may be any gas(e.g., compressed air, CO2, mixed gases, etc.) at any pressure 1 PSI to100 PSI (e.g., 40 PSI, 41 PSI, . . . , 50 PSI, . . . , 60 PSI). Thestorage device 908 may be a KEG with mixed coffee cold brew at 1.1 ratioand/or any other product (beer, soda, water, etc.) at any other ratio2.1 to 1, 3 to 2, 4 to 3, 5 to 4, . . . , 100 to 3, etc.). The gastravels to either the first regulator 904 (at 30 PSI and/or any otherpressure disclosed in this document (and/or equivalents)) or the secondregulator 924 (at 40 PSI and/or any other pressure disclosed in thisdocument (and/or equivalents)). After the gas travels through the firstregulator 904, the gas pushes the product (in this example coffee butcould be any product disclosed in this document (and/or equivalents))out of the storage device 908 to the filter 910. The product leaves thefilter 910 and either travels on a first path 911A to the first valve916 and the first outlet area 918 or to a second path 911B. The productthat is dispensed by the first outlet area 918 has a flow rate of 1ounce/second (or 1.5 ounces per second, or 2 ounces per second, or 2.5ounces per second, or 3 ounces per second, and/or any other flow ratedisclosed in this document (and/or equivalents)) and is a product withno and/or minimal gas present in it. When the product travels on thesecond path 911B, the product enters the second check valve 912 (at apressure of 28.9 PSI and/or any other pressure disclosed in thisdocument (and/or equivalents)) and further travels to the infuser 914.In this example, the infuser 914 utilizes gas from the gas source 902that has traveled through the second regulator 924 and the needle valve926 to infuse the gas into the product. The infused product travels tothe second valve 920 and exits via the second outlet area 922. Theinfused product has a flow rate of 1 ounce/second (or 1.5 ounces persecond, or 2 ounces per second, or 2.5 ounces per second, or 3 ouncesper second, and/or any other flow rate disclosed in this document(and/or equivalents)) and the infused product has gas present in itwhich was added by the infuser 914. In this example, the needle valve926 has a pressure of 32.4 PSI (and/or any other pressure disclosed inthis document (and/or equivalents)) and a flow rate of 0.16 SLPM (and/orany other flow rate).

In FIG. 10, an illustration of a dispensing system is shown, accordingto one embodiment. A dispensing system 1000 may include a gas source1002, a CFValve 1003, a storage device 1004, a filter 1006, a checkvalve 1008, an infuser 1010, a first valve 1012 (and/or a needle valve,a fixed orifice, a variable orifice, etc.), a first outlet area 1014, asecond valve 1016 (and/or a needle valve, a fixed orifice, a variableorifice, etc.), and/or a second outlet area 1018. Please note that oneor more valves in this example may be replaced with CFValves. Inaddition, any valve disclosed in this document (and/or equivalents) maybe replaced with a CFValve. The gas source 1002 in this example is N2 at45 PSI. However, the gas source 902 may be any gas (e.g., compressedair, CO2, mixed gases, etc.) at any pressure 1 PSI to 100 PSI (e.g., 40PSI, 41 PSI, . . . , 50 PSI, . . . , 60 PSI). In this example, theCFValve is at a pressure setting of 30 PSI (and/or any other pressuredisclosed in this document (and/or equivalents)). The flow rate from thegas source 1002 to the infuser 1010 once the flow is past the CFValve1003 is 0.16 SLPM (and/or any other flow rate). In this example, theCFValve 1003 regulates the pressure and/or flow rate for both thepushing function and the infusing with gas function. In this example,the gas from the gas source 1002 pushes the product out of the storagedevice 1004 through the filter 1006 and dispenses the product via thefirst valve 1012 and the first outlet area 1014. This dispensed productmay be a gas infused product or a non-gas infused product. This producthas a flow rate of approximately 1 ounce/second (or 1.5 ounces persecond, or 2 ounces per second, or 2.5 ounces per second, or 3 ouncesper second, and/or any other flow rate disclosed in this document(and/or equivalents)). Alternatively, the gas from the gas source 1002goes to the infuser 1010 and is infused into the product from thestorage device 1004 at the infuser location. This infused product isdispensed via the second valve 1016 and the second outlet area 1018.This product has gas infused into the product. This product has a flowrate of 1 ounce/second (or 1.5 ounces per second, or 2 ounces persecond, or 2.5 ounces per second, or 3 ounces per second, and/or anyother flow rate disclosed in this document (and/or equivalents)). Inaddition, optionally an orifice 1005 may be located before the infuser1010 to control the gas volume entering the infuser 1005 (this could bea fixed or variable orifice or a needle valve).

In FIG. 11, an illustration of a dispensing system is shown, accordingto one embodiment. A dispensing system 1100 may include a syrup insource 1102, a water in source 1114 (and/or carbonated water source,etc.), a pump 1104 (e.g., peristaltic, electric, pneumatic, etc.), anaccumulator 1106, a pressure switch 1108, a first CFValve 1110, a secondCFValve 1116, a needle valve 1112, and a mix out area 1118. In thisexample, the first CFValve 1110 is at a pressure of 43 PSI (and/or anyother pressure disclosed in this document (and/or equivalents)) and thesecond CFValve 1116 is at a pressure of 29 PSI (and/or any otherpressure disclosed in this document (and/or equivalents)). In addition,the pump 1104 may include a speed controller. One of the benefits ofthis system is that any pump can be used for the syrup as the pressureswitch will act to turn off the pump so that it can be a positivedisplacement pump. Further, the accumulator 1106 may act to dampen anysurge from the pump. In addition, optionally an orifice 1103 may belocated after the second CFValve 1116 (this could be a fixed or variableorifice or a needle valve).

In FIG. 12, a block diagram is shown, according to one embodiment. Adevice 1200 may include one or more controllers 1202, one or moreprocessors 1204, one or more memory devices 1206, one or more drivemodules 1208 and/or one or more machine modules 1210. The device 1200may be utilized to control one or more functions of a dispensing system,a dispensing device, and/or a dispensing method.

In FIG. 13, an illustration of a dispensing system is shown, accordingto one embodiment. A dispensing system 1300 may include a water source1302 (and/or any other liquid), a syrup source 1304, a first CFValve1306, a second CFValve 1310, a first orifice 1308, a second orifice1312, a third CFValve 1314, a gas source 1316 (e.g., N2, CO2, compressedair, mixed gases, etc.), and/or a pressure vessel 1318. The syrup source1304 may be a liquid dispenser, a bag-in-box device, and/or any othersyrup source disclosed in this document (and/or equivalents). In oneexample, the first CFValve 1306 controls the pressure and/or flow rateof the water, the second CFValve 1310 controls the pressure and/or flowrate of the syrup, and/or the third CFValve 1314 (and/or Nth CFValve)controls the pressure and/or flow rate of the gas. The gas in thisexample is Nitrogen but the gas could be carbon dioxide, compressed air,a mixture of gases, etc.

In FIG. 14, an illustration of a dispensing system is shown, accordingto one embodiment. A dispensing system 1400 may include a liquid source1402 (e.g., carbonated water, water, etc.), a syrup source 1408 (e.g.,volume bag-in-box syrup device, etc.), a first CFValve 1404, a secondCFValve 1410, and/or a pressure vessel 1406.

In one embodiment, a dispensing device may include a product unitincluding a pump to transmit one or more products to a sparger (and/oran infuser); a water source including one or more CFValves to transmitwater to the sparger (and/or an infuser); a gas source to transmit oneor more gases (any gas disclosed in this document and/or any equivalentsthereof) to the sparger (and/or infuser); and/or a dispensing area fordispensing a mixture generated via the sparger (and/or infuser) from aproduct unit input, a water source input, and a gas source input. In oneexample, the product unit input and the water unit input travel to theinfusing device via a common line (e.g., are mixed in the common linebefore entering the infusing device). In another example, the productunit input and the water unit input travel to the infusing device viatwo different lines (e.g., are not mixed before entering the infusingdevice).

In other examples, the product may be coffee, beer, soda, water, etc. Inother examples, a flow rate of the mixture out of the dispensing may be1.0 ounce per second, 1.5 ounces per second, 2.0 ounces per second, 2.5ounces per second, 3.0 ounces per second, 3.5 ounces per second, 4.0ounces per second, 4.5 ounces per second, 5.0 ounces per second, and/orany other flow rate. In other examples, the pump may be a volumetricpump, pneumatic pump, an electric pump, any other pump type, and/or anycombination of pumps.

In another example, the CFValve is a regulating valve for maintaining asubstantially constant flow of fluid from a variable pressure fluidsupply to a fluid outlet, the CFValve including: a) a housing havingaxially aligned inlet and outlet ports adapted to be connectedrespectively to the variable fluid supply and the fluid outlet; b) adiaphragm chamber interposed between the inlet and the outlet ports, theinlet port being separated from the diaphragm chamber by a barrier wall,the barrier wall having a first passageway extending therethrough froman inner side facing the diaphragm chamber to an outer side facing theinlet port; c) a cup contained within the diaphragm chamber, the cuphaving a cylindrical side wall extending from a bottom wall facing theoutlet port to a circular rim surrounding an open mouth facing the innerside of the barrier wall, the cylindrical side and bottom walls of thecup being spaced inwardly from adjacent interior surfaces of the housingto define a second passageway connecting the diaphragm chamber to theoutlet port; d) a resilient disc-shaped diaphragm closing the open mouthof the cup, the diaphragm being axially supported by the circular rimand having a peripheral flange overlapping the cylindrical side wall; e)a piston assembly secured to the center of the diaphragm, the pistonassembly having a cap on one side of the diaphragm facing the inner sideof the barrier wall, and a base suspended from the opposite side of thediaphragm and projecting into the interior of the cup; f) a stemprojecting from the cap through the first passageway in the barrier wallto terminate in a valve head, the valve head and the outer side of thebarrier wall being configured to define a control orifice connecting theinlet port to the diaphragm chamber via the first passageway; and/or g)a spring device in the cup coacting with the base of the piston assemblyfor resiliently urging the diaphragm into a closed position against theinner side of the barrier wall to thereby prevent fluid flow from theinlet port via the first passageway into the diaphragm chamber, thespring device being responsive to fluid pressure above a predeterminedlevel applied to the diaphragm via the inlet port and the firstpassageway by accommodating movement of the diaphragm away from theinner side of the barrier wall, with the valve head on the stem beingmoved to adjust the size of the control orifice, thereby maintaining aconstant flow of fluid from the inlet port through the first and secondpassageways to the outlet port for delivery to the fluid outlet. Notethat one or more of these elements and/or sub-elements for the CFValvemay be modified and/or eliminated in the claims.

In another example, the one or more gases may include Nitrogen, CarbonDioxide, compressed air, mixed gases, any other gas, and/or anycombination of gases.

In another embodiment, a dispensing device may include a syrup unitincluding a CFValve to transmit one or more syrups to a mixing device; awater source to transmit water to the mixing device; a gas source totransmit one or more gases to the mixing device; and/or a dispensingarea for dispensing a mixture generated via the mixing device from asyrup unit input, a water source input, and/or a gas source input.

In other examples, the product may be coffee, beer, soda, water, etc. Inother examples, a flow rate of the mixture out of the dispensing may be1.0 ounces per second, 1.5 ounces per second, 2.0 ounces per second, 2.5ounces per second, 3.0 ounces per second, 3.5 ounces per second, 4.0ounces per second, 4.5 ounces per second, 5.0 ounces per second, and/orany other flow rate. In another example, the water source and/or the gassource may further include a second CFValve.

In another example, the CFValve is a regulating valve for maintaining asubstantially constant flow of fluid from a variable pressure fluidsupply to a fluid outlet, the CFValve including: a) a housing havingaxially aligned inlet and outlet ports adapted to be connectedrespectively to the variable fluid supply and the fluid outlet; b) adiaphragm chamber interposed between the inlet and the outlet ports, theinlet port being separated from the diaphragm chamber by a barrier wall,the barrier wall having a first passageway extending therethrough froman inner side facing the diaphragm chamber to an outer side facing theinlet port; c) a cup contained within the diaphragm chamber, the cuphaving a cylindrical side wall extending from a bottom wall facing theoutlet port to a circular rim surrounding an open mouth facing the innerside of the barrier wall, the cylindrical side and bottom walls of thecup being spaced inwardly from adjacent interior surfaces of the housingto define a second passageway connecting the diaphragm chamber to theoutlet port; d) a resilient disc-shaped diaphragm closing the open mouthof the cup, the diaphragm being axially supported by the circular rimand having a peripheral flange overlapping the cylindrical side wall; e)a piston assembly secured to the center of the diaphragm, the pistonassembly having a cap on one side of the diaphragm facing the inner sideof the barrier wall, and a base suspended from the opposite side of thediaphragm and projecting into the interior of the cup; f) a stemprojecting from the cap through the first passageway in the barrier wallto terminate in a valve head, the valve head and the outer side of thebarrier wall being configured to define a control orifice connecting theinlet port to the diaphragm chamber via the first passageway; and g) aspring device in the cup coacting with the base of the piston assemblyfor resiliently urging the diaphragm into a closed position against theinner side of the barrier wall to thereby prevent fluid flow from theinlet port via the first passageway into the diaphragm chamber, thespring device being responsive to fluid pressure above a predeterminedlevel applied to the diaphragm via the inlet port and the firstpassageway by accommodating movement of the diaphragm away from theinner side of the barrier wall, with the valve head on the stem beingmoved to adjust the size of the control orifice, thereby maintaining aconstant flow of fluid from the inlet port through the first and secondpassageways to the outlet port for delivery to the fluid outlet.

In another embodiment, a dispensing device may include a gas sourceincluding a CFValve to have a first gas stream and a second gas stream,the first gas stream may enter an infuser and the second gas stream mayenter a product storage device, the second gas stream that enters theproduct storage device moves a product out of the product storage deviceto the infuser, the first gas stream enters the infuser and is infusedinto the product entering the infuser; and a dispensing area where theinfused product from the infuser is dispensed.

In other examples, the product may be coffee, beer, soda, water, etc. Inother examples, a flow rate of the infused product out of the dispensingmay be 1.0 ounce per second, 1.5 ounces per second, 2.0 ounces persecond, 2.5 ounces per second, 3.0 ounces per second, 3.5 ounces persecond, 4.0 ounces per second, 4.5 ounces per second, 5.0 ounces persecond, and/or any other flow rate. In another example, the product iscoffee and the infused product is Nitro-coffee. In another example, thedispensing device further includes a cooling device to cool the infusedproduct. In another example, a solenoid may be placed after any CFValveconfiguration disclosed in this document. In other examples, a filtermay be added, a needle valve may be added, and/or any other element inthis disclosure may be added to this embodiment.

All locations, sizes, shapes, measurements, ratios, amounts, angles,component or part locations, configurations, dimensions, values,materials, orientations, etc. discussed above or shown in the drawingsare merely by way of example and are not considered limiting and otherlocations, sizes, shapes, measurements, ratios, amounts, angles,component or part locations, configurations, dimensions, values,materials, orientations, etc. can be chosen and used and all areconsidered within the scope of the disclosure.

Dimensions of certain parts as shown in the drawings may have beenmodified and/or exaggerated for the purpose of clarity of illustrationand are not considered limiting.

While the valve has been described and disclosed in certain terms andhas disclosed certain embodiments or modifications, persons skilled inthe art who have acquainted themselves with the disclosure, willappreciate that it is not necessarily limited by such terms, nor to thespecific embodiments and modification disclosed herein. Thus, a widevariety of alternatives, suggested by the teachings herein, can bepracticed without departing from the spirit of the disclosure, andrights to such alternatives are particularly reserved and consideredwithin the scope of the disclosure.

The methods and/or methodologies described herein may be implemented byvarious means depending upon applications according to particularexamples. For example, such methodologies may be implemented inhardware, firmware, software, or combinations thereof. In a hardwareimplementation, for example, a processing unit may be implemented withinone or more application specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”), digitalsignal processors (“DSPs”), digital signal processing devices (“DSPDs”),programmable logic devices (“PLDs”), field programmable gate arrays(“FPGAs”), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors,electronic devices, other devices units designed to perform thefunctions described herein, or combinations thereof.

Some portions of the detailed description included herein are presentedin terms of algorithms or symbolic representations of operations onbinary digital signals stored within a memory of a specific apparatus ora special purpose computing device or platform. In the context of thisparticular specification, the term specific apparatus or the likeincludes a general purpose computer once it is programmed to performparticular operations pursuant to instructions from program software.Algorithmic descriptions or symbolic representations are examples oftechniques used by those of ordinary skill in the arts to convey thesubstance of their work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm isconsidered to be a self-consistent sequence of operations or similarsignal processing leading to a desired result. In this context,operations or processing involve physical manipulation of physicalquantities. Typically, although not necessarily, such quantities maytake the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored,transferred, combined, compared or otherwise manipulated. It has provenconvenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to referto such signals as bits, data, values, elements, symbols, characters,terms, numbers, numerals, or the like. It should be understood, however,that all of these or similar terms are to be associated with appropriatephysical quantities and are merely convenient labels. Unlessspecifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the discussion herein,it is appreciated that throughout this specification discussionsutilizing terms such as “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,”“determining” or the like refer to actions or processes of a specificapparatus, such as a special purpose computer or a similar specialpurpose electronic computing device. In the context of thisspecification, therefore, a special purpose computer or a similarspecial purpose electronic computing device is capable of manipulatingor transforming signals, typically represented as physical electronic ormagnetic quantities within memories, registers, or other informationstorage devices, transmission devices, or display devices of the specialpurpose computer or similar special purpose electronic computing device.

Reference throughout this specification to “one example,” “an example,”“embodiment,” and/or “another example” should be considered to mean thatthe particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combinedin one or more examples. Any combination of any element in thisdisclosure with any other element in this disclosure is hereby disclosedand only not listed for clarity and brevity.

While there has been illustrated and described what are presentlyconsidered to be example features, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various other modifications may be made, andequivalents may be substituted, without departing from the disclosedsubject matter. Additionally, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation to the teachings of the disclosed subject matterwithout departing from the central concept described herein. Therefore,it is intended that the disclosed subject matter not be limited to theparticular examples disclosed.

1. A dispensing device comprising: a product unit including a pressuresource configured to transmit one or more products to an infusingdevice; a water source including one or more CFValves configured totransmit water to the infusing device; a gas source configured totransmit one or more gases to the infusing device; and a dispensing areafor dispensing a mixture generated via the infusing device from aproduct unit input, a water source input, and a gas source input.
 2. Thedispensing device of claim 1, wherein the one or more products iscoffee.
 3. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein a flow rate of themixture out of the dispensing area is 1.0 ounce per second.
 4. Thedispensing device of claim 1, wherein a flow rate of the mixture out ofthe dispensing area is 2.0 ounces per second.
 5. The dispensing deviceof claim 1, wherein a flow rate of the mixture out of the dispensingarea is 2.5 ounces per second.
 6. The dispensing device of claim 1,wherein a flow rate of the mixture out of the dispensing area is 3.0ounces per second.
 7. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein thepressure source is a volumetric pump.
 8. The dispensing device of claim1, wherein the CFValve is a regulating valve for maintaining asubstantially constant flow of fluid from a variable pressure fluidsupply to a fluid outlet, the CFValve including: a) a housing havingaxially aligned inlet and outlet ports adapted to be connectedrespectively to the variable fluid supply and the fluid outlet; b) adiaphragm chamber interposed between the inlet and the outlet ports, theinlet port being separated from the diaphragm chamber by a barrier wall,the barrier wall having a first passageway extending therethrough froman inner side facing the diaphragm chamber to an outer side facing theinlet port; c) a cup contained within the diaphragm chamber, the cuphaving a cylindrical side wall extending from a bottom wall facing theoutlet port to a circular rim surrounding an open mouth facing the innerside of the barrier wall, the cylindrical side and bottom walls of thecup being spaced inwardly from adjacent interior surfaces of the housingto define a second passageway connecting the diaphragm chamber to theoutlet port; d) a resilient disc-shaped diaphragm closing the open mouthof the cup, the diaphragm being axially supported by the circular rimand having a peripheral flange overlapping the cylindrical side wall; e)a piston assembly secured to the center of the diaphragm, the pistonassembly having a cap on one side of the diaphragm facing the inner sideof the barrier wall, and a base suspended from the opposite side of thediaphragm and projecting into the interior of the cup; f) a stemprojecting from the cap through the first passageway in the barrier wallto terminate in a valve head, the valve head and the outer side of thebarrier wall being configured to define a control orifice connecting theinlet port to the diaphragm chamber via the first passageway; and g) aspring device in the cup coacting with the base of the piston assemblyfor resiliently urging the diaphragm into a closed position against theinner side of the barrier wall to thereby prevent fluid flow from theinlet port via the first passageway into the diaphragm chamber, thespring device being responsive to fluid pressure above a predeterminedlevel applied to the diaphragm via the inlet port and the firstpassageway by accommodating movement of the diaphragm away from theinner side of the barrier wall, with the valve head on the stem beingmoved to adjust the size of the control orifice, thereby maintaining aconstant flow of fluid from the inlet port through the first and secondpassageways to the outlet port for delivery to the fluid outlet.
 9. Thedispensing device of claim 1, wherein the one or more gases includesNitrogen.
 10. A dispensing device comprising: a syrup unit including aCFValve configured to transmit one or more syrups to a mixing device; awater source configured to transmit water to the mixing device; a gassource configured to transmit one or more gases to the mixing device;and a dispensing area for dispensing a mixture generated via the mixingdevice from a syrup unit input, a water source input, and a gas sourceinput.
 11. The dispensing device of claim 10, wherein a flow rate of themixture out of the dispensing area is 0.5 ounces per second.
 12. Thedispensing device of claim 10, wherein a flow rate of the mixture out ofthe dispensing area is 1.0 ounces per second.
 13. The dispensing deviceof claim 10, wherein a flow rate of the mixture out of the dispensingarea is 1.5 ounces per second.
 14. The dispensing device of claim 10,wherein a flow rate of the mixture out of the dispensing area is 2.0ounces per second.
 15. The dispensing device of claim 10, wherein atleast one of the water source or the gas source further include a secondCFValve.
 16. The dispensing device of claim 10, wherein the CFValve is aregulating valve for maintaining a substantially constant flow of fluidfrom a variable pressure fluid supply to a fluid outlet, the CFValveincluding: a) a housing having axially aligned inlet and outlet portsadapted to be connected respectively to the variable fluid supply andthe fluid outlet; b) a diaphragm chamber interposed between the inletand the outlet ports, the inlet port being separated from the diaphragmchamber by a barrier wall, the barrier wall having a first passagewayextending therethrough from an inner side facing the diaphragm chamberto an outer side facing the inlet port; c) a cup contained within thediaphragm chamber, the cup having a cylindrical side wall extending froma bottom wall facing the outlet port to a circular rim surrounding anopen mouth facing the inner side of the barrier wall, the cylindricalside and bottom walls of the cup being spaced inwardly from adjacentinterior surfaces of the housing to define a second passagewayconnecting the diaphragm chamber to the outlet port; d) a resilientdisc-shaped diaphragm closing the open mouth of the cup, the diaphragmbeing axially supported by the circular rim and having a peripheralflange overlapping the cylindrical side wall; e) a piston assemblysecured to the center of the diaphragm, the piston assembly having a capon one side of the diaphragm facing the inner side of the barrier wall,and a base suspended from the opposite side of the diaphragm andprojecting into the interior of the cup; f) a stem projecting from thecap through the first passageway in the barrier wall to terminate in avalve head, the valve head and the outer side of the barrier wall beingconfigured to define a control orifice connecting the inlet port to thediaphragm chamber via the first passageway; and g) a spring device inthe cup coacting with the base of the piston assembly for resilientlyurging the diaphragm into a closed position against the inner side ofthe barrier wall to thereby prevent fluid flow from the inlet port viathe first passageway into the diaphragm chamber, the spring device beingresponsive to fluid pressure above a predetermined level applied to thediaphragm via the inlet port and the first passageway by accommodatingmovement of the diaphragm away from the inner side of the barrier wall,with the valve head on the stem being moved to adjust the size of thecontrol orifice, thereby maintaining a constant flow of fluid from theinlet port through the first and second passageways to the outlet portfor delivery to the fluid outlet.
 17. A dispensing device comprising: agas source including a CFValve configured to have a first gas stream anda second gas stream, the first gas stream enters an infuser and thesecond gas stream enters a product storage device, the second gas streamthat enters the product storage device moves a product out of theproduct storage device to the infuser, the first gas stream enters theinfuser and is infused into the product entering the infuser; and adispensing area where the infused product from the infuser is dispensed.18. The dispensing device of claim 17, wherein a flow rate of theinfused product is from 1.0 ounce to 3.0 ounces per second.
 19. Thedispensing device of claim 17, wherein the product is coffee and theinfused product is Nitro-coffee.
 20. The dispensing device of claim 17,further including a cooling device configured to cool at least one ofthe product, the product storage device, the infuser, and the infusedproduct.